Planting Calendar and crop notes – Ordered by Month

MonthPlant NamePlant TypeNotes
JANUARYChiliesSeeds indoors (heated)Start early for best results
JANUARYAuberginesSeeds indoors (heated)Heated propagator essential
JANUARYGarlicCloves directSpring planting (autumn better)
FEBRUARYChiliesSeeds indoors (heated)Peak sowing month
FEBRUARYPeppersSeeds indoors (heated)Heated propagator needed
FEBRUARYAuberginesSeeds indoors (heated)Continue sowing
FEBRUARYBeetrootSeeds under coverProtection needed
FEBRUARYLeeksSeeds indoorsIn modules
FEBRUARYLettuceSeeds indoors/under coverStart succession sowing
FEBRUARYOnionsSeeds indoorsFor transplanting later
FEBRUARYBroccoliSeeds indoorsCalabrese for summer
FEBRUARYSweet PotatoesStart slips indoorsFrom tubers
FEBRUARYTomatoesSeeds indoorsGreenhouse varieties
FEBRUARYGarlicCloves directSpring planting option
MARCHChiliesSeeds indoors (heated)Last month for sowing
MARCHPeppersSeeds indoors (heated)Continue sowing
MARCHAuberginesSeeds indoors (heated)Final sowings
MARCHBeetrootSeeds under cover/directStart outdoor sowing
MARCHCarrotsSeeds under cloches/directEarly varieties under cover
MARCHLeeksSeeds indoors/outdoor seedbedContinue sowing
MARCHLettuceSeeds indoors/direct outdoorsSuccession sowing
MARCHOnionsSets direct outdoorsSpring varieties
MARCHPeasSeeds direct outdoorsEarly varieties
MARCHPotatoesSeed tubers outdoorsFirst earlies
MARCHRadishSeeds direct outdoorsStart succession
MARCHSpinachSeeds direct outdoorsSpring/summer crop
MARCHSpring OnionsSeeds direct outdoorsStart succession
MARCHBroccoliSeeds indoorsContinue calabrese
MARCHMelonsSeeds indoors (heated)Greenhouse only
MARCHStrawberriesContainer plantsSpring planting
MARCHSweet PotatoesSlips continue indoorsContinue from Feb
MARCHTomatoesSeeds indoorsGreenhouse & outdoor varieties
MARCHBasilSeeds indoorsFrost-sensitive
MARCHBorageSeeds direct outdoorsStart sowing
MARCHChivesSeeds/young plantsPerennial herb
MARCHCorianderSeeds direct outdoorsStart succession
MARCHEchinaceaSeeds indoors/outdoorsSlow from seed
MARCHLavenderSeeds indoorsVery slow from seed
MARCHLemon BalmSeeds indoors/outdoorsEasy to grow
MARCHMintYoung plants/divisionsContainer growing best
MARCHOreganoSeeds indoors/outdoorsStart early
MARCHRosemarySeeds indoorsSlow from seed
MARCHSageSeeds indoorsSpring sowing
MARCHAsparagusCrowns/seedsBest time for crowns
MARCHAppleBare-root treesEnd of dormant season
MARCHBlueberriesBare-root/container plantsGood planting time
MARCHCherryBare-root treesEnd of dormant season
MARCHGrape VineBare-root plantsGood planting time
MARCHPearBare-root treesEnd of dormant season
MARCHPlumBare-root treesEnd of dormant season
MARCHWalnutBare-root treesEnd of dormant season
APRILCourgettesSeeds indoorsIn pots
APRILCucumbersSeeds indoorsBoth types
APRILPumpkinsSeeds indoorsLarge pots
APRILBeetrootSeeds direct outdoorsPeak sowing begins
APRILCarrotsSeeds direct outdoorsMain sowing period
APRILKaleSeeds indoors/directStart sowing
APRILLeeksYoung plants transplantFrom earlier sowing
APRILLettuceSeeds direct outdoorsSuccession sowing
APRILOnionsSets/young plants directSpring varieties
APRILPeasSeeds direct outdoorsMaincrop varieties
APRILPotatoesSeed tubers outdoorsSecond earlies & maincrop
APRILRadishSeeds direct outdoorsContinue succession
APRILSpinachSeeds direct outdoorsContinue sowing
APRILSpring OnionsSeeds direct outdoorsContinue succession
APRILBroccoliSeeds/young plants outdoorsCalabrese & sprouting
APRILMelonsSeeds indoors/young plantsTo greenhouse
APRILStrawberriesContainer plantsContinue planting
APRILTomatoesSeeds indoorsOutdoor varieties
APRILBasilSeeds indoorsContinue sowing
APRILBorageSeeds direct outdoorsContinue sowing
APRILChivesSeeds/young plantsContinue planting
APRILCorianderSeeds direct outdoorsSuccession sowing
APRILEchinaceaYoung plants outdoorsBetter than seeds
APRILLavenderYoung plants outdoorsBest planting time
APRILLemon BalmYoung plants/divisionsSpring planting
APRILLemon VerbenaYoung plants outdoorsAfter frost risk
APRILMintYoung plants/divisionsSpring planting
APRILOreganoYoung plants outdoorsGood planting time
APRILRosemaryYoung plants outdoorsSpring planting
APRILSageYoung plants outdoorsSpring planting
APRILAsparagusCrowns/seedsContinue planting
APRILLemonsContainer plantsBest planting month
MAYChiliesYoung plants outdoorsAfter hardening off
MAYCourgettesSeeds indoors/direct/plantsPeak planting time
MAYCucumbersSeeds indoors/young plantsTo outdoor positions
MAYPumpkinsSeeds indoors/young plantsContinue planting
MAYAuberginesYoung plants to greenhouseVery warm spot only
MAYBeetrootSeeds direct outdoorsPeak sowing time
MAYCarrotsSeeds direct outdoorsContinue sowing
MAYKaleSeeds indoors/directPeak sowing month
MAYLeeksYoung plants transplantMain transplanting time
MAYLettuceSeeds direct outdoorsSuccession sowing
MAYPeasSeeds direct outdoorsContinue maincrop
MAYPotatoesSeed tubers outdoorsMaincrop final month
MAYRadishSeeds direct outdoorsContinue succession
MAYSpinachSeeds direct outdoorsFinal spring sowings
MAYSpring OnionsSeeds direct outdoorsContinue succession
MAYBroccoliSeeds/young plants outdoorsSprouting types
MAYMelonsYoung plants to greenhouseProtected growing
MAYStrawberriesContainer plantsFinal spring planting
MAYSweet PotatoesYoung plants outdoorsVery warm spots only
MAYTomatoesYoung plants outdoorsAfter hardening off
MAYBasilSeeds direct/young plantsAfter frost risk
MAYBorageSeeds direct outdoorsContinue sowing
MAYChivesSeeds/young plantsContinue planting
MAYCorianderSeeds direct outdoorsSuccession sowing
MAYEchinaceaSeeds/young plantsContinue planting
MAYLavenderSeeds/young plantsContinue planting
MAYLemon BalmSeeds/young plantsContinue planting
MAYLemon VerbenaYoung plants outdoorsSafe from frost
MAYMintYoung plantsContinue planting
MAYOreganoSeeds/young plantsContinue planting
MAYRosemaryYoung plants outdoorsContinue planting
MAYSageSeeds/young plantsContinue planting
MAYLemonsContainer plantsContinue planting
JUNEChiliesYoung plants outdoorsFinal planting
JUNECourgettesSeeds direct/young plantsFinal sowings
JUNECucumbersYoung plants outdoorsFinal planting
JUNEPumpkinsYoung plants outdoorsFinal planting date
JUNEAuberginesYoung plants to greenhouseContinue planting
JUNEBeetrootSeeds direct outdoorsContinue sowing
JUNECarrotsSeeds direct outdoorsContinue for succession
JUNEKaleSeeds direct/young plantsFinal sowings
JUNELeeksYoung plants transplantContinue transplanting
JUNELettuceSeeds direct outdoorsSuccession sowing
JUNEPeasSeeds direct outdoorsLate varieties
JUNERadishSeeds direct outdoorsContinue succession
JUNESpinachSeeds direct outdoorsDifficult month (bolting)
JUNESpring OnionsSeeds direct outdoorsContinue succession
JUNEBroccoliYoung plants transplantSprouting for spring
JUNESweet PotatoesYoung plants outdoorsFinal planting
JUNETomatoesYoung plants outdoorsFinal planting date
JUNEBasilSeeds direct/young plantsContinue planting
JUNEBorageSeeds direct outdoorsContinue sowing
JUNECorianderSeeds direct outdoorsWill bolt quickly
JUNEEchinaceaYoung plants outdoorsContinue planting
JUNELavenderYoung plants outdoorsContinue planting
JUNELemon BalmYoung plantsContinue planting
JUNEMintYoung plantsContinue planting
JUNEOreganoYoung plants outdoorsContinue planting
JUNERosemaryYoung plants outdoorsContinue planting
JUNESageYoung plants outdoorsContinue planting
JULYBeetrootSeeds direct outdoorsFinal sowings
JULYCarrotsSeeds direct outdoorsFinal succession sowing
JULYKaleYoung plants transplantFinal planting
JULYLeeksYoung plants transplantFinal transplanting
JULYLettuceSeeds direct outdoorsSuccession sowing
JULYPeasSeeds direct outdoorsLate varieties
JULYRadishSeeds direct outdoors/winter typesStart winter radish
JULYSpring OnionsSeeds direct outdoorsContinue succession
JULYBroccoliYoung plants transplantFinal transplanting
JULYStrawberriesBare-root runnersBest establishment time
JULYBorageSeeds direct outdoorsFinal sowings
JULYCorianderSeeds direct outdoorsWill bolt in heat
JULYEchinaceaYoung plants outdoorsContinue planting
JULYLavenderYoung plants outdoorsContinue planting
JULYLemon BalmYoung plantsContinue planting
JULYMintYoung plantsContinue planting
JULYOreganoYoung plants outdoorsContinue planting
JULYRosemaryYoung plants outdoorsContinue planting
JULYSageYoung plants outdoorsContinue planting
AUGUSTRadishSeeds direct outdoorsWinter varieties
AUGUSTSpinachSeeds direct outdoorsAutumn/winter crop
AUGUSTSpring OnionsSeeds direct/hardy typesStart overwintering
AUGUSTStrawberriesBare-root runners/pot-grownPeak planting time
AUGUSTCorianderSeeds direct outdoorsAutumn sowing
AUGUSTLavenderYoung plants outdoorsContinue planting
AUGUSTLemon BalmYoung plantsContinue planting
AUGUSTMintYoung plantsContinue planting
AUGUSTOreganoYoung plants outdoorsContinue planting
AUGUSTRosemaryYoung plants outdoorsContinue planting
AUGUSTSageYoung plants outdoorsContinue planting
SEPTEMBERLettuceSeeds direct outdoorsAutumn varieties
SEPTEMBEROnionsSets direct outdoorsJapanese overwintering
SEPTEMBERSpinachSeeds direct outdoorsAutumn/winter crop
SEPTEMBERSpring OnionsSeeds direct outdoorsHardy overwintering
SEPTEMBERStrawberriesBare-root runners/pot-grownContinue planting
SEPTEMBERCorianderSeeds direct outdoorsAutumn sowing
SEPTEMBERLavenderYoung plants outdoorsEarly autumn planting
SEPTEMBERLemon BalmYoung plantsEarly autumn planting
SEPTEMBERMintYoung plantsEarly autumn planting
SEPTEMBEROreganoYoung plants outdoorsEarly autumn planting
SEPTEMBERRosemaryYoung plants outdoorsEarly autumn planting
SEPTEMBERSageYoung plants outdoorsEarly autumn planting
OCTOBERGarlicCloves direct outdoorsAutumn planting – best
OCTOBEROnionsSets direct outdoorsJapanese overwintering
OCTOBERPeasSeeds direct outdoorsOverwintering hardy types
OCTOBERChivesYoung plants/divisionsAutumn planting
OCTOBEREchinaceaYoung plants outdoorsAutumn planting
OCTOBERAppleBare-root treesStart dormant season
OCTOBERBlueberriesBare-root/container plantsAutumn planting
OCTOBERCherryBare-root treesStart dormant season
OCTOBERGrape VineBare-root plantsStart dormant season
OCTOBERPearBare-root treesStart dormant season
OCTOBERPlumBare-root treesStart dormant season
OCTOBERWalnutBare-root treesStart dormant season
NOVEMBERGarlicCloves direct outdoorsPeak planting month
NOVEMBERPeasSeeds direct outdoorsOverwintering varieties
NOVEMBERAppleBare-root treesBest planting time
NOVEMBERBlueberriesBare-root/container plantsBest planting time
NOVEMBERCherryBare-root treesBest planting time
NOVEMBERGrape VineBare-root plantsBest planting time
NOVEMBERPearBare-root treesBest planting time
NOVEMBERPlumBare-root treesBest planting time
NOVEMBERWalnutBare-root treesBest planting time
DECEMBERAppleBare-root treesContinue dormant planting
DECEMBERBlueberriesBare-root plantsContinue planting
DECEMBERCherryBare-root treesContinue planting
DECEMBERGrape VineBare-root plantsContinue planting
DECEMBERPearBare-root treesContinue planting
DECEMBERPlumBare-root treesContinue planting
DECEMBERWalnutBare-root treesContinue planting

Key:

  • Seeds indoors (heated) = Requires heated propagator/warm environment indoors
  • Seeds indoors = Indoor sowing without heat
  • Seeds direct outdoors = Sow directly where they will grow
  • Seeds under cover = Cold frame, cloche, or unheated greenhouse
  • Young plants outdoors = Transplant shop-bought or home-grown plants
  • Bare-root = Dormant plants with no soil on roots
  • Container plants = Potted plants available year-round
  • Cloves/Crowns/Sets/Tubers = Vegetative planting material

Comprehensive Vegetable, Fruit & Herb Growing Guide

Vegetables

Beetroot

Description: Root vegetable producing round or cylindrical roots in red, golden, or striped varieties. Leaves are also edible. Grows best in deep, fertile soil with consistent moisture.

Notes: Beetroot is relatively easy to grow and cold-tolerant. Harvest when roots are tennis ball-sized for best flavor. Succession sow for continuous harvest. Can be stored in sand for winter use.

Sowing Table:

  • Feb-Mar: Seeds under cover
  • Apr-Jul: Seeds direct outdoors
  • Peak sowing: April-June for summer/autumn harvest

Carrots

Description: Taproot vegetable available in various shapes (round, short, long) and colors (orange, purple, yellow, white). Requires loose, stone-free soil for straight roots.

Notes: Direct sow as they dislike transplanting. Thin seedlings to prevent competition. Cover with fleece to prevent carrot fly. Early varieties mature in 12 weeks, maincrop in 16+ weeks.

Sowing Table:

  • Feb-Mar: Seeds under cloches/covers (early varieties)
  • Mar-Jul: Seeds direct outdoors
  • Peak sowing: March-June for succession crops

Chilies

Description: Hot peppers ranging from mild to extremely hot, in various shapes and colors. Bushy plants that fruit prolifically in warm conditions.

Notes: Require long growing season and warmth. Start early indoors. Pinch out growing tips to encourage bushiness. Water consistently but avoid waterlogging. Feed with tomato fertilizer when flowering.

Sowing Table:

  • Jan-Mar: Seeds indoors (heated propagator ideal)
  • May-Jun: Young plants outdoors after hardening off
  • Best timing: February sowing for summer harvest

Courgettes

Description: Bush or trailing plants producing cylindrical fruits in green, yellow, or striped varieties. Very productive with large leaves.

Notes: Prolific croppers – 2-3 plants usually sufficient. Harvest regularly when 10-15cm long to encourage production. Requires rich soil and regular watering. Can suffer from powdery mildew in dry conditions.

Sowing Table:

  • Apr-May: Seeds indoors in pots
  • Late May-Jun: Seeds direct outdoors or young plants out
  • Avoid: Planting before last frost risk

Cucumbers

Description: Climbing or trailing plants producing long green fruits. Outdoor and greenhouse varieties available. Requires warmth and moisture.

Notes: Greenhouse varieties often seedless; outdoor ridge types have seeds. Train up supports. Remove male flowers on greenhouse types to prevent bitter fruits. Keep soil consistently moist.

Sowing Table:

  • Mar-Apr: Seeds indoors (greenhouse types)
  • Apr-May: Seeds indoors (outdoor ridge types)
  • May-Jun: Young plants outdoors after hardening off

Garlic

Description: Bulb crop producing individual cloves within a papery wrapper. Hardneck varieties produce scapes; softneck varieties store longer.

Notes: Plant individual cloves pointed end up. Requires cold period for best bulb development. Autumn planting produces larger bulbs. Harvest when leaves turn yellow. Cure before storing.

Sowing Table:

  • Oct-Nov: Cloves direct outdoors (autumn planting – best)
  • Jan-Feb: Cloves direct outdoors (spring planting – smaller bulbs)
  • Harvest: June-July following year

Kale

Description: Hardy brassica with curly or flat leaves in green, purple, or black varieties. Very cold-tolerant and nutritious. Can grow to 60-90cm tall.

Notes: Extremely hardy – tastes sweeter after frost. Pick leaves from bottom up. Protect from pigeons with netting. Benefits from firm soil and regular watering. Can crop from autumn through spring.

Sowing Table:

  • Mar-May: Seeds indoors in modules
  • Apr-Jun: Seeds direct outdoors
  • May-Jul: Young plants transplanted outdoors
  • Peak planting: May-June for winter harvest

Leeks

Description: Allium producing long white shanks with blue-green leaves. Very hardy winter vegetable. Early and late varieties available for extended season.

Notes: Plant deeply or earth up for long white shanks. Very hardy and can remain in ground through winter. Trim roots and leaves when transplanting. Space 15cm apart in rows 30cm apart.

Sowing Table:

  • Feb-Mar: Seeds indoors in modules
  • Mar-Apr: Seeds in outdoor seedbed
  • May-Jul: Young plants transplanted to final positions
  • Harvest: October-March depending on variety

Lettuce

Description: Fast-growing salad leaves in heading, loose-leaf, cos, and butterhead types. Wide color range from green to deep red.

Notes: Succession sow every 2-3 weeks for continuous supply. Cut-and-come-again varieties regrow after harvesting. Provide shade in hot weather to prevent bolting. Keep soil moist.

Sowing Table:

  • Feb-Mar: Seeds indoors or under cover
  • Mar-Sep: Seeds direct outdoors
  • Year-round: Under cover/greenhouse
  • Best practice: Sow small amounts frequently

Onions

Description: Bulb-forming allium producing storage and salad varieties. Available as seeds, sets (small bulbs), or young plants. Yellow, red, and white varieties.

Notes: Sets are easiest for beginners. Japanese varieties planted autumn for early summer harvest. Plant sets shallowly with tip just showing. Harvest when tops fall over. Dry thoroughly before storing.

Sowing Table:

  • Feb-Mar: Seeds indoors
  • Mar-Apr: Sets direct outdoors (spring varieties)
  • Sep-Oct: Sets direct outdoors (Japanese overwintering varieties)
  • Apr: Young plants outdoors

Peas

Description: Climbing or dwarf legume producing pods with sweet peas inside. Mangetout and sugar snap varieties have edible pods.

Notes: Early, maincrop, and late varieties extend season. Inoculate soil with nitrogen. Support climbing types. Pick regularly to encourage production. Very sweet when freshly picked.

Sowing Table:

  • Mar-Apr: Seeds direct outdoors (early varieties)
  • Apr-Jun: Seeds direct outdoors (maincrop)
  • Jun-Jul: Seeds direct outdoors (late varieties)
  • Oct-Nov: Seeds outdoors (overwintering hardy varieties)

Peppers / Capsicum Peppers

Description: Sweet bell peppers producing blocky fruits ripening from green to red, yellow, orange, or purple. Compact bushy plants.

Notes: Require similar conditions to tomatoes but more warmth. Grow in greenhouse or sheltered sunny spot. Support plants when fruiting. Green peppers are simply unripe colored ones.

Sowing Table:

  • Feb-Mar: Seeds indoors (heated propagator)
  • May-Jun: Young plants outdoors after hardening off
  • Best for: Greenhouse growing in UK climate

Potatoes

Description: Tuber crop in first early, second early, and maincrop varieties. Wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors (white, red, purple flesh).

Notes: Chit seed potatoes before planting (allow sprouts to develop). Earth up stems as they grow. Earlies mature in 10-13 weeks, maincrop in 20+ weeks. Protect from frost.

Sowing Table:

  • Mar: Seed tubers outdoors (first earlies)
  • Mar-Apr: Seed tubers outdoors (second earlies)
  • Apr-May: Seed tubers outdoors (maincrop)
  • Chitting: Start 6 weeks before planting

Pumpkins

Description: Large trailing vine producing massive orange fruits (or white, blue, green varieties). Requires significant space and rich soil.

Notes: Very hungry and thirsty plants. Feed weekly with liquid fertilizer once flowering. Limit to 2-3 fruits per plant for best size. Cure in sun after harvest for better storage.

Sowing Table:

  • Apr-May: Seeds indoors in large pots
  • Late May-Jun: Young plants outdoors after hardening off
  • Avoid: Planting before all frost risk passed

Radish

Description: Fast-growing root vegetable producing small round or cylindrical roots. Summer and winter varieties available in red, white, purple, black.

Notes: Quickest vegetable crop (3-6 weeks for summer types). Succession sow for continuous supply. Winter radish are slower and larger. Good for intercropping between slower vegetables.

Sowing Table:

  • Mar-Sep: Seeds direct outdoors (summer varieties)
  • Jul-Aug: Seeds direct outdoors (winter varieties)
  • Best practice: Sow every 2 weeks in small batches

Spinach

Description: Leafy green producing tender leaves for salads or cooking. True spinach and perpetual spinach (leaf beet) types available.

Notes: Prone to bolting in hot, dry conditions. Keep well-watered. True spinach prefers cooler weather; perpetual spinach more bolt-resistant. Pick outer leaves to encourage regrowth.

Sowing Table:

  • Feb-May: Seeds direct outdoors (spring/summer)
  • Aug-Sep: Seeds direct outdoors (autumn/winter crop)
  • Year-round: Under cover possible
  • Best in: Cool seasons

Spring Onions

Description: Allium harvested immature for mild white stems and green tops. Quick-growing salad crop.

Notes: Easy and fast crop (8-10 weeks). Succession sow for continuous supply. Some varieties hardy enough for overwintering. Pull when pencil-thick. Multi-sow in modules for efficiency.

Sowing Table:

  • Mar-Aug: Seeds direct outdoors
  • Aug-Sep: Seeds outdoors (hardy overwintering types)
  • Best practice: Sow every 3 weeks

Aubergines

Description: Heat-loving plant producing glossy purple, white, or striped oval fruits. Compact bushy habit suitable for containers.

Notes: Require very warm conditions – best in greenhouse. Similar requirements to tomatoes. Pinch out growing tip at 30cm. Support plants. Feed with tomato fertilizer when flowering. Harvest when fruits are shiny.

Sowing Table:

  • Jan-Mar: Seeds indoors (heated propagator essential)
  • May-Jun: Young plants to greenhouse or very warm spot
  • Best for: Greenhouse cultivation

Fruit & Soft Fruit

Grapes / Grape Vine

Description: Woody climbing vine producing clusters of sweet fruits. Dessert and wine varieties in green, red, or black colors. Can grow very large.

Notes: Outdoor varieties hardier; greenhouse types produce sweeter grapes. Prune in winter when dormant. Train along wires or supports. Thin fruit bunches for best quality. Takes 2-3 years to fruit well.

Sowing Table:

  • Oct-Mar: Bare-root plants outdoors (dormant season)
  • Year-round: Container-grown plants
  • Best planting: November or March

Lemons

Description: Evergreen citrus tree producing acidic yellow fruits. Glossy green leaves. Container-grown in UK climate. Fragrant white flowers.

Notes: Not frost-hardy – move indoors October-May. Requires citrus feed during growing season. Prefers slightly acidic soil. Water regularly but allow surface to dry between waterings. Can fruit throughout year.

Sowing Table:

  • Year-round: Container-grown plants
  • Best planting: Spring (April-May)
  • Note: Must be protected from frost

Melons

Description: Trailing vine producing sweet aromatic fruits with orange, green, or yellow flesh. Honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon types.

Notes: Require very warm conditions – greenhouse best in UK. Support fruits in nets as they develop. Stop plants at 4-5 leaves to encourage fruiting. Hand-pollinate flowers. Reduce watering as fruits ripen.

Sowing Table:

  • Mar-Apr: Seeds indoors (heated propagator)
  • May: Young plants to heated greenhouse
  • Best for: Greenhouse cultivation only in UK

Strawberries

Description: Low-growing perennial producing red fruits. Summer-fruiting, perpetual, and day-neutral types. Runners produce new plants.

Notes: Replace plants every 3-4 years for best fruiting. Remove runners unless propagating. Protect from birds with netting. Straw mulch keeps fruits clean. Water regularly during fruiting.

Sowing Table:

  • Jul-Sep: Bare-root runners (best establishment)
  • Mar-May: Container-grown plants
  • Aug-Sep: Pot-grown plants (heavy croppers following year)

Sweet Potatoes

Description: Tropical trailing vine producing orange, white, or purple edible tubers. Ornamental foliage. Requires long, warm growing season.

Notes: Grow from slips (rooted shoots from tubers). Requires very warm soil and protected position. Best in greenhouse or polytunnel in UK. Harvest before first frost. Cure tubers after harvest.

Sowing Table:

  • Feb-Mar: Start slips indoors from tubers
  • May-Jun: Young plants outdoors after hardening off (very warm spot only)
  • Best for: Greenhouse or polytunnel cultivation

Tomatoes

Description: Fruiting plant producing red, yellow, orange, purple, or black fruits. Cordon (tall, single-stem) or bush varieties. Cherry to beefsteak sizes.

Notes: Cordons require staking and side-shooting. Feed weekly with tomato fertilizer once flowering. Water consistently to prevent blossom end rot and fruit splitting. Outdoor varieties hardier but less productive.

Sowing Table:

  • Feb-Mar: Seeds indoors (greenhouse varieties)
  • Mar-Apr: Seeds indoors (outdoor varieties)
  • May-Jun: Young plants outdoors after hardening off

Blueberries

Description: Deciduous shrub producing clusters of blue-purple berries. Attractive autumn foliage. Requires acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5).

Notes: Must have ericaceous compost and rainwater. Plant at least two varieties for better pollination. Net against birds. Light pruning in winter removes old wood. Slow to establish but long-lived.

Sowing Table:

  • Oct-Mar: Bare-root or container plants (dormant season best)
  • Year-round: Container-grown plants possible
  • Best planting: November or March

Apple

Description: Deciduous fruit tree producing crisp fruits in eating and cooking varieties. Various rootstocks control size from dwarf to standard.

Notes: Most require pollination partner (check pollination groups). Prune in winter for established trees. Thin fruits in June for better size. Can take 3-5 years to fruit well depending on rootstock.

Sowing Table:

  • Nov-Mar: Bare-root trees (dormant season – best value)
  • Year-round: Container-grown trees
  • Best planting: November-December or February-March

Cherry

Description: Deciduous fruit tree producing sweet or sour cherries. Sweet cherries larger; sour cherries better for cooking. Spring blossom ornamental.

Notes: Sweet cherries require pollinator (or self-fertile varieties available). Protect from birds with netting. Modern dwarfing rootstocks make growing easier. Prune in summer to reduce disease risk.

Sowing Table:

  • Nov-Mar: Bare-root trees (dormant season)
  • Year-round: Container-grown trees
  • Best planting: November or March

Pear

Description: Deciduous fruit tree producing sweet, juicy fruits. Upright growth habit. Beautiful spring blossom. Various harvest times from August to October.

Notes: Require pollination partner (check pollination groups). Pears flower earlier than apples – frost risk. Ripen off tree for best flavor. Prune in winter. Train as cordons, espaliers, or free-standing trees.

Sowing Table:

  • Nov-Mar: Bare-root trees (dormant season – best)
  • Year-round: Container-grown trees
  • Best planting: November-December

Plum

Description: Deciduous fruit tree producing sweet or cooking plums in purple, red, yellow, or green. Includes gages, damsons, and mirabelles.

Notes: Self-fertile varieties available. Prune only in summer to reduce silver leaf disease risk. May need thinning in heavy crop years. Support branches when heavily laden. Can fruit within 3-4 years.

Sowing Table:

  • Nov-Mar: Bare-root trees (dormant season)
  • Year-round: Container-grown trees
  • Best planting: November or March

Walnut

Description: Large deciduous tree producing edible nuts in hard shells. Attractive foliage. Requires significant space (10m+ spread at maturity).

Notes: Very long-lived tree. Takes 5-10 years before good nut production. Frost can damage spring growth. Grafted varieties fruit earlier than seed-grown. Deep taproot – transplant when young.

Sowing Table:

  • Nov-Mar: Bare-root trees (dormant season only)
  • Best planting: November-December
  • Note: Very long-term crop

Herbs & Perennials

Basil

Description: Tender annual herb with aromatic green or purple leaves. Essential Mediterranean herb. Bushy growth to 30-45cm.

Notes: Frost-sensitive – grow as annual. Pinch out growing tips to encourage bushiness. Remove flower spikes to prolong leaf production. Prefers warm, sheltered spot. Water regularly.

Sowing Table:

  • Mar-Apr: Seeds indoors
  • May-Jun: Seeds direct outdoors or young plants out
  • Best as: Annual summer herb

Borage

Description: Annual herb producing blue star-shaped edible flowers and cucumber-flavored leaves. Self-seeds readily. Grows to 60cm. Attractive to bees.

Notes: Very easy to grow. Self-seeds prolifically – can become invasive. Flowers and young leaves edible. Tap-rooted – doesn’t transplant well. Excellent companion plant for pollination.

Sowing Table:

  • Mar-Jul: Seeds direct outdoors
  • Best approach: Direct sow where wanted

Chives

Description: Perennial allium forming grassy clumps with mild onion flavor. Pink-purple edible flowers in early summer. Grows to 30cm.

Notes: Very hardy and easy. Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth. Divide clumps every 3-4 years. Can be forced indoors for winter harvest. Attracts beneficial insects.

Sowing Table:

  • Mar-May: Seeds outdoors or in pots
  • Mar-Oct: Young plants or divisions
  • Best as: Permanent clump divided regularly

Coriander

Description: Annual herb with aromatic leaves (cilantro) and seeds (coriander). Delicate feathery foliage. Bolts readily in hot weather.

Notes: Prone to bolting – choose slow-bolt varieties. Succession sow for continuous leaf supply. Grow for leaves or allow to flower for seeds. Prefers cool conditions. Self-seeds readily.

Sowing Table:

  • Mar-Sep: Seeds direct outdoors
  • Best practice: Sow every 3-4 weeks
  • Avoid: Hottest summer months for leaf production

Echinacea

Description: Hardy perennial producing large daisy-like flowers in pink, purple, white, or orange. Medicinal properties. Grows 60-90cm tall.

Notes: Very hardy and drought-tolerant once established. Deadhead to prolong flowering. Cut back in autumn. Attracts butterflies and bees. Can take 2 years to flower from seed.

Sowing Table:

  • Mar-May: Seeds indoors or outdoors
  • Apr-Oct: Young plants outdoors
  • Best as: Container-grown plants for quicker flowering

Lavender

Description: Evergreen shrub with aromatic grey-green foliage and purple, blue, white, or pink flower spikes. Very drought-tolerant once established.

Notes: Requires excellent drainage and full sun. Prune after flowering and lightly in spring. Don’t cut into old wood. Replace every 8-10 years. Attracts pollinators. Dislikes winter wet.

Sowing Table:

  • Mar-May: Seeds indoors (slow from seed)
  • Apr-Sep: Young plants outdoors
  • Best planting: Spring or early autumn

Lemon Balm

Description: Hardy perennial with lemon-scented leaves. Small white flowers. Can spread vigorously. Grows to 60cm. Member of mint family.

Notes: Very easy and vigorous – can become invasive. Cut back before flowering to prevent self-seeding. Divide clumps every few years. Attracts bees. Leaves used for tea.

Sowing Table:

  • Mar-May: Seeds indoors or outdoors
  • Apr-Sep: Young plants or divisions
  • Warning: Can spread aggressively

Lemon Verbena

Description: Deciduous shrub with intensely lemon-scented leaves. Small white flowers. Grows to 1-2m. Not fully hardy.

Notes: Protect from hard frost or grow in container to move under cover. Loses leaves in winter. Prune in spring. Very drought-tolerant. Leaves retain scent when dried.

Sowing Table:

  • Apr-May: Young plants outdoors
  • Best as: Container-grown for winter protection
  • Note: Difficult from seed – buy plants

Mint (Moroccan)

Description: Hardy perennial with bright green leaves and mild, sweet flavor. Spreads via underground runners. Grows 30-60cm.

Notes: Extremely invasive – grow in containers or confined areas. Cut back regularly to encourage fresh growth. Can be dried for winter use. Divide clumps every few years.

Sowing Table:

  • Mar-May: Young plants or divisions
  • Year-round: Container-grown plants
  • Best approach: Plant divisions in spring

Oregano

Description: Hardy perennial with aromatic leaves and pink-purple flowers. Mat-forming Mediterranean herb. Grows 30-45cm. Flavor intensifies when dried.

Notes: Very hardy and drought-tolerant. Cut back after flowering. Divide clumps every 3-4 years. Flavor strongest just before flowering. Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators.

Sowing Table:

  • Mar-May: Seeds indoors or outdoors
  • Apr-Sep: Young plants outdoors
  • Best as: Container-grown plants for immediate use

Rosemary

Description: Evergreen shrub with needle-like aromatic leaves and blue flowers. Upright or prostrate varieties. Grows 60cm-1.5m depending on variety.

Notes: Requires excellent drainage and full sun. Prune after flowering to maintain shape. Not fully hardy in cold areas. Can be grown in containers. Avoid cutting into old wood.

Sowing Table:

  • Mar-May: Seeds indoors (slow from seed)
  • Apr-Sep: Young plants outdoors
  • Best planting: Spring or early autumn

Sage

Description: Evergreen shrub with grey-green aromatic leaves. Purple-blue flower spikes. Grows 45-60cm. Various colored leaf varieties available.

Notes: Very hardy and drought-tolerant. Prune in spring to maintain shape. Replace every 4-5 years as becomes woody. Avoid cutting into old wood. Purple varieties less hardy.

Sowing Table:

  • Mar-May: Seeds indoors
  • Apr-Sep: Young plants outdoors
  • Best planting: Spring

Trees & Perennial Crops

Asparagus

Description: Hardy perennial producing edible young shoots (spears) in spring. Fern-like foliage in summer. Can produce for 20+ years once established.

Notes: Requires patience – don’t harvest until third year. Male plants (all-male hybrids best) more productive. Requires well-drained fertile soil. Cut down ferny growth in autumn. Top-dress with compost annually.

Sowing Table:

  • Mar-Apr: One-year-old crowns planted (best method)
  • Mar-Apr: Seeds indoors (slower – 3 years to harvest)
  • Best approach: Buy crowns for quicker harvest

Broccoli

Description: Brassica producing tight green or purple flower heads. Calabrese (quick crop) or sprouting types (winter harvest). Very nutritious.

Notes: Calabrese for summer harvest; purple/white sprouting for late winter/spring. Needs firm soil and protection from cabbage white butterflies and pigeons. Cut main head, side shoots will develop.

Sowing Table:

  • Feb-Mar: Seeds indoors (calabrese – summer)
  • Apr-May: Seeds outdoors or transplant young plants (calabrese)
  • Apr-May: Seeds/young plants (sprouting types – winter/spring harvest)
  • Jun-Jul: Young plants transplanted for spring harvest

This comprehensive guide provides everything needed for successful growing of your chosen crops. Each entry includes optimal sowing times, whether using seeds or established plants, and specific cultivation notes for UK conditions.